BuQu Tech Wireless charger review - Galaxy S III Accessories

I ordered my BuQuTech Magnetyze in mid February. I didn't get an email confirming my order, so 2 days later sent one to the company and got a reply very quickly. I was told that one was sent, but must have been lost to the interwebz. They also explained they were backordered and the expected ship date was March 8. They credited my card for the charge until it was ready for shipment. They sent me another email towards the end of Feb. that it was shipped and I actually had it on my porch the next day. Now that's some sweet service!
It was well-packaged. The box it came in has a flap on the front you can open to view the contents. I didn't take a pic, since I wanted to get it set up. In the box there is the charging stand, a USB to micro-USB cable, a wall charging adapter with 2 USB out plugs, the proprietary phone battery cover and a second wire with a USB on one end and the magnet on the other for charging the phone. This allows for a semi-permanent placement of the dock and a mobile cable. Very well thought out, IMO.
The battery cover is a very nice cobalt blue and looks good on the phone. I think it looks better in person than on their website. It is a finger-print magnet (no pun intended), though. The build quality seems to be very nice. It isn't flimsy at all. It is slightly thicker than the stock cover but, much to my surprise, my TPU case fits on the phone fine. The holes in the case for buttons, headphones, etc. are pulled down so they may need to be cut a bit.
The system works very well. As you get the phone near the dock or the cable, the magnet attaches right where it is supposed to. The phone is held firmly, but it is easy enough to detach. Charge time seems equivalent to the standard cord.
NFC works. The range is diminished a bit. I have a car mount with a tag mounted to it. This places the tag about a 1/2 inch from the back of the phone. With the regular battery cover on, it activates the NFC chip without difficulty, but with the BuQu cover, I have to finagle an angle that gets the back closer to the NFC before I seat the phone in the mount. Any other tag that directly touches the battery cover activates the NFC chip without difficulty.
All in all, this is a well-built system that I am enjoying.
Pros:
Works well
Quality build with a nice shade of blue that goes well with the phone
Portable cable and dock options
Minimal added thickness that allows TPU cases to still work
Cons:
Not the Qi standard that seems more prevalent
Claims to be able to sync phone, but doesn't appear to do that
Uncertain support for future phone battery covers
Decreased range of NFC tag activation
Unable to charge with a case on
Feel free to ask any questions. Sorry for the less-than-stellar pictures.

good review.
---------- Post added at 02:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 AM ----------
Check what is coming out, I think this is going to be a winner.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2184815

i notice u had a cover from buqu... it looks like they sell a case now ..can u confirm its diffrent from your????
http://www.buqutech.com/ProductDetail/tabid/167/ProductID/25/Default.aspx
i really wanna get this with the car chager stand.
and i have the S4 just notice maybe u has the S3

Related

Cheap touchstone and Pixi cover for Evo/Touchstone mod

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...cm_ite=**Slick Deals**&cm_ite=**Slick Deals**
Just bought one for my mod and another for my mom's Pixi. Thank you Verizon!
source: http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/117754-touchstones.html
yeah, got one too but I'm kinda of afraid to mess with my EVO like that and do the hack...
hack posted here: http://www.goodandevo.net/2010/06/h...rk-with-palm-touchstone-wireless-charger.html
I'm an electrical engineer and I have the $7 insuarance. Worst that can happen is I fry my phone, say I lost it, and pay the deductible for a new phone.
This may be worth the $50 risk to be able to charge without plugging in a cable every night.
gx1400 said:
I'm an electrical engineer and I have the $7 insuarance. Worst that can happen is I fry my phone, say I lost it, and pay the deductible for a new phone.
This may be worth the $50 risk to be able to charge without plugging in a cable every night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, sounds tempting but I'm not an electrical engineer nor do I have the TEP insurance yet, nor would I be willing to pay the $100 deductible if I had the insurance.
still tempting though. is it that risky to do it?
I thought the TEP was a $50 deductible?
If you're ok with soldering, it should be a really easy job. If you've never soldered electronics... probably not.
$50 deductible for flip phones, $100 for smartphones/featurephones. also, the ones with the $50 deductible are $4/month i think.
I am actually doing this right now with a Palm PIXI touchstone back ($6 at Radio Shack BTW)
I have added pressure joints (taking apart an old SIM card for the sturdy golden pads) so that you never need to solder to the inducting circuit. This makes it so that you can FULLY take off the back over. Just some thin double sided tape and electrical tape does the job. Used 28AWG teflon coated SPC for my internal wiring.
I am waiting for my Touchstone docks to come in for testing, but I have high hopes.
I have insurance and its not my first time at modding the internals of a portable (iPods, iPod Touch, iPhone). Plus this just makes it soo much cooler. Have a solar panel I plan on adding too, just haven't figured out a way to make it look good yet which is a big requirement IMO.
Childofthehorn said:
I am actually doing this right now with a Palm PIXI touchstone back ($6 at Radio Shack BTW)
I have added pressure joints (taking apart an old SIM card for the sturdy golden pads) so that you never need to solder to the inducting circuit. This makes it so that you can FULLY take off the back over. Just some thin double sided tape and electrical tape does the job. Used 28AWG teflon coated SPC for my internal wiring.
I am waiting for my Touchstone docks to come in for testing, but I have high hopes.
I have insurance and its not my first time at modding the internals of a portable (iPods, iPod Touch, iPhone). Plus this just makes it soo much cooler. Have a solar panel I plan on adding too, just haven't figured out a way to make it look good yet which is a big requirement IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you post some pics please? thanks
Ordered! I'm so doing this.
PLESTIUC said:
can you post some pics please? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah! Absolutely, once I make sure that it actually works like it is supposed to!
I am moving this weekend, so at the earliest it will be a week.
LOL, more more use for old cellphone crap (SIM CARD from old ATT phone)....
got my order today. wasn't this thing supposed to come with a usb cable included? there is only the dock in the box and the cover in a separate box.
O guess it uses one of those very small mini usb plugs and I don't have a cable for it laying around
I wonder what kind of efficiency the set up has compared to the stock covers for the palm devices. As the coil moves away from the touchstone it will lose power exponentially as the distance increases.
I have Ghost Armor on my Evo, so I can go without a case, but I imagine any case (even as thin as a Seidio Innocase II would be too thick for it to be efficient.
Once I get back to school where I have my soldering iron and dremel, I'm going to try to modify a silicone or ebay-cheapo case and try to inset it with the coil, wires, and try to make my own 90-degree flush mounted micro-usb plug in the bottom. This way you could charge it through the USB using the touchstone, but you wouldn't have to worry at all about opening up the phone.
so anyone have a go at this hack yet?
Just finished mine last night....
I didn't actually solder mine to the board. I put my wire on the positive contact on the board and my negative on the negative screw contact. Put the case back together and taped the positive and negative to the contacts on the pixi charger. Its working like a charm!
Well guys, the ebay seller i bought a couple of docks from has obviously dropped the ball. Time for Amazon....
jmstansell said:
Just finished mine last night....
I didn't actually solder mine to the board. I put my wire on the positive contact on the board and my negative on the negative screw contact. Put the case back together and taped the positive and negative to the contacts on the pixi charger. Its working like a charm!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did the exact same thing and it turned out fine.. I had the solder gun ready to go but for some reason i couldnt get the solder to stick to the phone.. i guess im a semi newbie when it comes to soldering either way..
Anyway , I think this way is very stable and is completely reversible with no signs of anything having been done.. I feel stupid for only having ordered one touchstone when it was $10!
Guys, This is FANTASTIC and definitely makes for the best car mount EVER! You just stick your phone on he touchstone and go. The touchstone seems to be able to be mounted near anywhere with that semi sticky pad on the bottom and yo can use command adhesive strips anywhere else. It also looks really slick on a black console (mins is and its soft touch too). I have it placed at a 45 degree angle area in the top middle of my main console and it sticks great. The Evo with the palm Pixi back holds on tight and does not come off even with my driving.
I found out that this still works and bought two more touchstones for the house.
Vehicle Charger + Palm Touchstone for $10 shipped!
I'd probably do this (as my previous phone was a Pre so I already have the back and touchstone) but I just don't care to have my compass not work because of the magnets.
The compass while off of the charger still works, just not quite a fast. There ARE NO MAGNETS in the inductive charging back. They are just pieces of steel. They become like magnets when placed on the Touchstone charger. When not charging, it is the same as it always was.
Besides how often do you need a compass in your car or home where a GPS would not be better?
The magnets in the base also do not affect the GPS at all. I have the phone on the Touchstone in my car while running the GPS and have no issues.
So, there is no need to solder correct? Seems people say electrical tape will do the trick, really want to try it but i missed the deal. Anyone confirming this besides one or two guys?

Car Dock Kit

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
REVIEW:
Got the dock today. Gotta say, not too bad. Although I don’t really think it’s worth more than about $25 tops. The build quality is ok. Everything is plastic, but it feels kind of light (the suction holder). Guess that’s a good thing if it’s being mounted to the windshield.
What’s included: Phone Dock, Suction Holder, Car Charger, Sticky suction pad (to use on your dash)
Suction Holder
There are 3 main components to this. The suction it pretty heavy duty. Probably better than my Garmin windshield mount. Once positioned on the glass, there’s a lever you push down drawing the air out making for a pretty good and strong contact. To release it from the windshield is just as easy. Just pull the same lever up to release.
The holder allows for full 360 rotation of the phone. Loosen the round knob to position and tighten. Once tightened, it’s pretty snug.
Where the phone dock connects, the suction holder has a little spring loaded push lever that’s used to clamp the phone dock to the holder. Same method is used to release the phone dock.
Phone Dock
Again, it’s pretty light. I wouldn’t say it’s feels cheap but just really light. The phone fits in pretty sung. It’s definitely not going anywhere. The dock also has a cut out for the camera, which is nice if you want to take pics of the road or maybe even a video of the guy in front of you with a lowered Silverado with a mural of his trunk on his tailgate 
Once the phone is in, the bottom end of the phone dock slides in and out making the usb contact. On the back of the dock, you have a micro usb port for charging and a 3.5mm line out jack. My only concern is with time, this portion will get loose. Seems like there’s 2 positions this click into as you slide it one way or the other.
Car Charger
It’s a micro usb car charger. Nothing more to say. Always good to have a spare one.
The dock definitely DOES NOT accept the phone with any cases. Don’t know about skins though. It’s a pretty sung fit with. Going to head over to TMO sometime this week and pick up the a ZAGG Dry application skin and see.
Figured it would, but as soon as you slide the plug from the dock into the phone, it goes into car mode right away, even without it being plugged into a power source. This can be deactivated by going into notifications and clicking Deactivate Car mode.
All in all, I’d have to say I’m pretty pleased with it. Not really pleased about how much it costs, but hey…It would have been nice for them to include an audio cable with the package. I bought this to replace my older Garmin Nav. Figure it’s much easier having this than traveling with the Garmin.
Update: Looks like this is going back. The line-out doesn't work. Getting no sound
smellmyfingers said:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
Thinking of picking this up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exogear-Exo...ccessories&hash=item588ef6bfb4#ht_4693wt_1270
Seems like a decent quality holder that will work no matter any case I use.
luckyduck69 said:
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Makes sense, T-Mobile just released the phone so they hiked up all prices on "new" accessories. It's all naming/branding my man.
Looks nice...if u get it post some pics please.
I have one but makes too much noise when the car moves.
Tmo Galaxy S2
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
Was feeling frisky so picked it up at the store with the phone. Works great but the phone is held rather tightly and requires two hands to remove it when getting out of your car. Might loosen a bit over time, but a PITA for now. Phone also recognizes that this is a car dock (as opposed to desktop dock) and kicks on the VoiceTalk app automatically. Kind of nice.
-- edit --
Used a universal on my last phone... have to say that having the charger plug into the mount directly is hands-down worth the extra money. I hated having to find the dangling end of the usb cord every time I got in my truck... especially in the dark. With the made-for-it mount, you sit the phone in the mount and then slide the bottom part up which engages the charge and locks in the phone. All with one hand.
-GP
Dsmwookie said:
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have one and the best part about this mount is that it sticks to almost part in my car. Aside from the really curved parts.
Bought my first car dock for my old Vibrant few months ago, now have to get it again for my new SGS2. Like before I am getting OEM directly from Samsung website. Not sure what TM sells but the one I saw in their store looks pretty crappy from some 3rd party vendor.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
The car dock... excuse me, "vehicle navigation mount" I got at the t-mo store two days ago is a Samsung-branded accessory. Guy had to actually open the box that UPS delivered that morning. Perhaps your store didn't have them yet?
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
esdwa said:
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they should start getting them in. There OEM it should be in green and white box with samsung all over it
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
What do you think of these Herbert Richter German made windshield mount? The mount is used in a Pioneer AVIC-F500BT GPS which is quite heavy.
ctkatz said:
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not as it is made to fit the device snugly. This is why I use a pouch belt clip as I use my phone all the time for navigation and can't be taking a case on and off every time.
My Exogear mint will be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it is. Cost $18 shipped off Amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Some quick shots of my Exogear mount. Sticks to just about any surface and holds most phones in a case. Video is uploading as we speak.
---------- Post added at 06:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------
http://youtu.be/PApQgF4Q8Lk
cheap but nice mount
Just rec this mount ordered 2 one for my s2 and one fr my wifes vibrant really pleased with them ordered one more {ebay}Samsung Galaxy S II T989 Heavy Duty Windshield Premium Car Mount Phone Holder
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Splaktar said:
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to mine? It works with a case on.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

ProClip Vehicle Mounts available for pre-order

http://www.proclipusa.com/default.a...d=&parent_category=4&d_pcat=13451&d_cat=18854
I like these mounts, the page just went up today. It's much better than the crap Verizon is pushing. Anyone else ever use these docks?
I can't tell from the pics but does the one that have the charger block the audio out?
Never mind, I can see the audio jack now in the pics.
i came on to post this...I just got an email from proclip confirming this. Ive used proclip in the past and they are of good quality
http://www.proclipusa.com/default.a...d=&parent_category=4&d_pcat=13451&d_cat=18854
I'm guessing only the adjustable holder will fit our phones if we have cases on them?
bowsersoulstar said:
I'm guessing only the adjustable holder will fit our phones if we have cases on them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like it. I would like the active setup, but I will have a TPU case on it. I wonder if a heat gun can help me bend it out a bit.
Roroco said:
Looks like it. I would like the active setup, but I will have a TPU case on it. I wonder if a heat gun can help me bend it out a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking at the same problem here. I've been using a holder with the 2 amp charger for the past two years with my Incredible and absolutely love it. I've never been able to get an extended battery because of how tight it slides in, though. I'll email them and ask but I might have to just swap in the stock battery for rides I know I'll need the juice.
Pros of using this are great, though. Because it's 2 amp charger I would get ~25% in about 20 minutes of driving with my Incredible with fast charging enabled in the kernel. GPS and Bluetooth for Google Maps would slow the charge down but would still give me a full charge from 20% to full in an hour. With Cyanogen I would set my bluetooth to only turn on when connected to a wall charger so I'd slide this in and my buetooth would turn on and connect to my car automatically. Last but not least, your wires are all tucked away! Very clean look.
Does the mount hold the audio cable so it doesn't move and it plugs into the phone?
Any issues with the diztronic TPU case? Would it prevent the microusb or audio plugs from inserting into the phone completely?
nomisunrider said:
Does the mount hold the audio cable so it doesn't move and it plugs into the phone?
Any issues with the diztronic TPU case? Would it prevent the microusb or audio plugs from inserting into the phone completely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get the universal dock, the bottom of the phone is completely exposed so you won't have any issues. I got my wife one of these (universal) for her iPod a few years back and the build quality is top notch.
i wish I didn't have to also plug in the cables separately, but maybe I can jerryrig something up.
Roroco said:
If you get the universal dock, the bottom of the phone is completely exposed so you won't have any issues. I got my wife one of these (universal) for her iPod a few years back and the build quality is top notch.
i wish I didn't have to also plug in the cables separately, but maybe I can jerryrig something up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah, that's I'm trying to avoid. Taking off my case every time I get in the car would be a big hassle.
nomisunrider said:
Yah, that's I'm trying to avoid. Taking off my case every time I get in the car would be a big hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to remove the case, then you need to get the universal dock. I wish them made a version of the active dock that was slightly adjustable, but they don't.
My question is would the charging holder accommodate the extended battery given that it barely adds any thickness to the device. From the looks of the pictures, it looks like the device slides in and is held on to the sides only so it looks like shouldn't be a problem.
I contacted customer service and they said this:
Indeed the added battery won't make it work in 512324. Our adjustable holder listed with the Galaxy Nexus listing might work. Our custom holders are made for the device as it comes out of the box, and indeed any added thickness will make it not work in our custom holders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess not?
Roroco said:
If you don't want to remove the case, then you need to get the universal dock. I wish them made a version of the active dock that was slightly adjustable, but they don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which I don't want. I want one with the charger, that can accomodate a case.
They make such a thing for the iphone. My co-worker has one.
http://www.proclipusa.com/brodit-de...and-pass-through-connector--516165-18357.aspx
I emailed them asking if they have plans for such a device for the galaxy nexus.
Mooem7 said:
My question is would the charging holder accommodate the extended battery given that it barely adds any thickness to the device. From the looks of the pictures, it looks like the device slides in and is held on to the sides only so it looks like shouldn't be a problem.
I contacted customer service and they said this:
So I guess not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most extended batteries tend to add a lot of bulk (more than cases sometimes). The person who emailed you back may not be aware that the GN's extended battery adds about 1-2 mm of bulk to the bottom half of the phone.
Since the holder is a slide-in type, I can't see this being 'millimeter-tight'. Don't take my word for it but I'm willing to bet that this will fit even with the extended battery on.
I guess we won't know for sure until someone gets the fitted holders and try it though. I'd try, but I've a case so the fitted ones do me no good for sure.
nomisunrider said:
Which I don't want. I want one with the charger, that can accomodate a case.
They make such a thing for the iphone. My co-worker has one.
I emailed them asking if they have plans for such a device for the galaxy nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
80 bucks for that dock. Ouch. Good concept, but that is a bit rich.
I wish you could buy these at a store. I've already got the whole set for the Nexus One and I've been waiting for the GN mount. I just added to my cart and it's an extra $20 in shipping (to Toronto). So after duty at the border I'm looking easy at $60 just for that one piece of molded plastic. Yeah the mount is great, but that's seriously expensive.
I've used their cases for the last 2 years, nexus s and thunderbolt, and they are great. I still have my Nexus S holder and the picture of the one on their site for the GNex looks like the same style, if so it should work with the extended battery. The slide in case is tight on the sides but leaves a gap behind the phone, see attached pic. The phone slides into that groove and the groove itself is very thin so it doesn't appear it will interfere with the rear battery cover at all.
Proclips is a great solution. I've used it for my car for years. I used them in 3 different cars. Pricey however, it works very well. A+
Got a negative response =(
Unfortunately not. We only have adjustable holder with charging for our Apple line. These have all the same connectors in exact the same location.
For other phones there are too many differences in charging location and thickness of cases.
Best Regards,
Customer Service
ProClip USA, Inc.
nomisunrider said:
Which I don't want. I want one with the charger, that can accomodate a case.
They make such a thing for the iphone. My co-worker has one.
http://www.proclipusa.com/brodit-de...and-pass-through-connector--516165-18357.aspx
I emailed them asking if they have plans for such a device for the galaxy nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
For those in the UK... just ordered an active mount from http://www.mountonus.com/
£59.99... bit steep but I guess thats the price you pay for a nice phone-specific/car-specific mount!
nomisunrider said:
Got a negative response =(
Unfortunately not. We only have adjustable holder with charging for our Apple line. These have all the same connectors in exact the same location.
For other phones there are too many differences in charging location and thickness of cases.
Best Regards,
Customer Service
ProClip USA, Inc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was to be expected. They are not going to design a niche product for a phone until it sells consistently in the millions. That said... Creating a Micro USB small swing arm to make it universal should be too hard....
If I feel industrial, I might see what I can make on my own.

3D Printed a sync/charging cradle. Check it out.

I finally have access to a 3D printer where I work and was asked to throw test uses out for it and try to pull it to it's limits. We typically use it to print out models of the 3D art our designers make. It's awesome for that.
I used it to print this dock that someone designed and posted over at thingiverse. I think it came out great in black ABS plastic. Haven't slotted a USB cable in to it yet but will when I get home (no cables that fit it here in the office. It has a hole and slot to route the cable out the back. It holds the phone in portrait mode. I use the Ringke Slim case (which I don't recomend since it scratches the phone but hell, i already own it) and it seems to sit nicely in the dock. :good:
Gallery of cradle from various angles: http://imgur.com/a/3XaMq
What do you think. How would you change it?
Nice! I would add short side walls to keep the phone from falling over and out of the dock and would make a second one wider with a lower back for landscape mode. I would also think about building in a space for a QI charger coil and board inside the back plate to have it double as a wireless charger.
Improvements?
Perhaps have the back hollow and wide enough to slip the 'official' Wireless charging pad in, and also ones like the pURL=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nokia-DT-900-Wireless-Charging-Plate/dp/B009WKGNB4]DT-900[/URL], and between the charger and phone be slim enough to actually charge the phone (most have a 5mm range)
Could you make me one? Only thing i would suggest is added small walls to the sides so it doesn't slide right off. Maybe make a variant with a space for a wireless charging puck?
Once the charger is in place it won't slide side to side.
That being said, i can find a charger that fits. The creator used one made by Nokia... Seems it would be more helpful to the community if he used a cheaper, easily attainable Monoprice or Amazon Basics cable.
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-WCP-300-Wireless-Charging/dp/B00C6VP03I
This should fit
I would lose the flat bottom allowing it to sit on irregular surfaces and also saving more materials. Looks great already though.

[MOD] Turn Google's crappy Wireless Charging Orb into a clean magnetic car charger

Hey everyone,
This is my first modification guide thingy so I hope it is ok and useful to some of you. I purchased an N5 off of Swappa recently that came with the N4 Wireless Charging Orb and the newer glass-topped N5 wireless charger. I assume the original owner was sick of how the orb performed (Google failed with the design of it) and bought the other charger. I was about to throw it away but started doing some research. Some other people have modified the orb, but the results are extremely ugly. I'll show you what I've done and how I'm incorporating this into my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I want the result to look like it was factory installed and without any external suction cup wireless charger with ugly ass arms that clamp around the phone. I want it to be completely invisible until I plop my phone on it.
After I took everything apart I was going to try and reuse the casing somehow, so that's why this image is covered with a different covering than the Nexus imprinted rubber on the top. I decided against reusing the casing because it looked ugly and I found a better way.
Step 1 - Remove the Nexus rubber to expose the screws
Peel back the Nexus rubber covering to reveal the screws. I ended up ripping the rubber so be careful if you plan to reuse it. Honestly, you probably won't be able to get it to sit right even if you do plan to reuse it. The screws will be at 12, 3, 6, and 9 oclock.
Step 2 - Remove the screws to take off the top and and get access to the PCB/Wireless Charging Coil
Some people say you can just unscrew the screws, but mine were glued in with locktite or something. I had to drill them out. I used an 1/8" bit. Be careful not to hit the board. I hit the board a little bit ( since you can't really see it with the top on still) but everything seems to work. From there just take off the top and remove the board. You'll have to remove the 2 other screws holding the L shaped metal thing to completely remove the unit.
Step 3 - Buy Neodymium magnets and add them to the coil
I purchased these magnets (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ANVAHI/). They were $7.79 for 100. Since this is going in a vehicle and there's going to be bumpiness, I ended up using 44 magnets around the outside of the coil (stacked 2 high, all the way around). They hold on to each other and the coil magnetically, but I'll probably throw some double sided sticky tape around the edges to make sure they don't go anywhere.
Step 4 - Find the area in your vehicle where you're going to mount it and make a vinyl template
In my Cherokee, there's an ashtray which I never use (I don't smoke). Some people take out the ashtray and put a switch panel there for external lighting and what not. I thought, that's the perfect spot for a wireless charger. I grabbed some green car vinyl my friend had laying around, and cut it to match the ash tray. In the image above I layed it over the top, but I will be removing the ash tray completely so it sits flush. I plastidipped the vinyl black to match the interior of my truck (as close as possible) and to add a little more grip.
Step 5 - Mount and wire the wireless charger/vinyl covering
This will be done this coming Tuesday, but the image above is a test. It charges perfectly and is a very strong hold. I do not see this going anywhere when I'm driving. I'll reply to this thread with pictures of the final product next week.
Nicely done! Love the added magnets
Not sure I'd destroy my $50 charger to do this...but now I'm thinking of picking one of those cheap $15 Qi China chargers to disect
sean222 said:
Nicely done! Love the added magnets
Not sure I'd destroy my $50 charger to do this...but now I'm thinking of picking one of those cheap $15 Qi China chargers to disect
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Click to collapse
You have the Nexus orb? And yours actually works? My phone would slide right off of that thing and I'd wake up with a dead phone. You really wouldn't damage the thing if you were careful. You might be able to unscrew the screws without using a drill.
Poi25 said:
You have the Nexus orb? And yours actually works? My phone would slide right off of that thing and I'd wake up with a dead phone. You really wouldn't damage the thing if you were careful. You might be able to unscrew the screws without using a drill.
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Click to collapse
Mine works great because I don't use a case, so the back of the rubbery orb sticks nicely to the back of my rubbery Nexus 5! with my old nexus 4, it didn't stick naked, but did stick after I put a wet application protector. I can imagine most cases not sticking and it sliding off though
Here's my final setup and finished product! Head to 3:00 mark for the wireless charger.
geat! probably i`ll do the same on my car
charly_mad said:
geat! probably i`ll do the same on my car
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The wireless charger works great, such a strong hold and completely invisible.

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